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Numerology Frequently Asked Questions

As you can imagine, I receive hundreds of emails from people all around the world and I wish I could respond to each and every one, however there are times where it’s physically impossible for me to do so. In the meantime, I have created this page to answer some of your most frequently asked questions. So take a look around as it’s highly likely you may find the answer/s you’re searching for.

Here are some of my most frequently asked numerology questions:

Should the birth-certificate name or current name be used to calculate a numerology chart?

Both must be used to uncover a complete and accurate story of one’s life; however, Western numerology places a greater emphasis on the original birth-certificate name, because it reveals the pre-chosen destiny that cannot be replaced by a new name. Most Chaldean numerologists believe the name currently used today (if it differs from the original birth-certificate name) carries the strongest vibration of all. No wonder people get confused! Either way, both names are covered in my book, The Numerology Guidebook

Is it necessary to know the time and place of birth to calculate a numerology chart?

No, this is only a requirement for astrology. In numerology, all you need is the date of birth; the full, original birth-certificate name; and the first and last name you currently go by today. It’s essential that this information be 100 percent correct; otherwise the entire reading will be wrong. Therefore, it is wise to double-check the spelling on your birth certificate before calculating your numbers. It also pays to confirm the details of others before taking the time to calculate their numbers. Guesswork doesn’t cut it in the world of numerology.

Can numerology predict winning lottery numbers and a person’s day of passing?

No, but it would be handy if it could! However, nothing can predict either of those things.

Is there such a thing as a lucky number?

No. It’s your power of belief that makes a number—or anything else, for that matter—lucky. Since what you believe to be will be, if you believe a number is lucky or unlucky, then it will be.

If my numbers are incompatible with my partner’s, will the relationship fail?

Not necessarily, so try not to get caught up in the whole “numbers compatibility” thing. There are so many components to take into consideration that it’s impossible for any relationship to tick all the boxes. Other things to consider are:

The “complete” numerology chart must be taken into consideration rather than just one or two numbers. For example – if the Life Path Numbers are considered incompatible, other numbers in the chart might be – For example: one person’s Life Path Number may be compatible with the other persons Destiny Number.

The two individuals’ astrology profiles. For example – where a couple’s numbers may be considered incompatible, their astrology profiles may be.

Soul contracts (that is, prechosen agreements, made between souls prior to incarnation, to share specific life experiences together for the purpose of soul growth).

The fact that opposites often attract when partners have specific lessons to learn from each other or need to adopt opposing personality traits.

I have clients with so-called incompatible numbers who’ve been happily married for years. Besides, numerologists have conflicting opinions about compatible numbers anyway. This is why I use the phrase are said to be most compatible with when providing the so-called most compatible numbers in The Numerology Guidebook.

Are there good and bad numbers?

Every number has positives and negatives, so there’s no such thing as a “good” or “bad” number, let alone the “perfect number” that guarantees a challenge-free life.

Will certain numbers provide an easier life than others?

No. Every number has life lessons and challenges to overcome so you can reach your full potential. Since you incarnated to learn and grow from your life experiences here on Earth, regardless of how spiritual, well behaved, healthy, intelligent, or positive you are, there will always be lessons to learn. Your attitude is the key to determining how challenging your lessons may be and how long your difficulties will last. The sooner you face your challenges head-on with courage, determination, optimism, and grace, the sooner you’ll improve your quality of life.

Is number 13 really an unlucky number?

No, however the Chinese consider number 4 a bad omen. When 1 and 3 are added together to make 4, many Chinese consider this bad luck. In Western Pythagorean Numerology, number 13 (written as 13/4) is considered a “Karmic Debt Number” that indicates extra effort is required to overcome one’s challenges. This is covered in greater detail in my book, The Numerology Guidebook.

What do repetitive / recurring numbers mean?

Sometimes the Universe and angels send you messages in the form of recurring numbers, and when these messages are acknowledged and adhered to, they can improve your quality of life. As you go through your day-to-day activities, you may see a number or sequence of numbers continually appearing on a clock, watch, computer screen, cell phone, license plate, shopping receipt, or even in your dreams! Repetitive numbers can appear anywhere, and the possibilities are endless. Although it may astound or even frighten you at the time, it’s important to investigate what the numbers could mean, because nothing is more beneficial than insight “from above.”

In numerology, each number has a variety of meanings, so there are several possibilities as to what the exact meaning of a number, or sequence of numbers, could be. This is where your intuition and common sense are required, because only through honest self-examination and evaluation can you possibly determine the meaning of your message. Because a number has the same meaning wherever it appears, this applies to recurring numbers, too. See my book, The Numerology Guidebook for recurring number meanings.

Does the Personal Year Number run from Jan 1st to Jan 1st or from birthday to birthday?

Great question! It all depends on which system you use. Some numerologists believe it runs from Jan to Jan to coincide with the calendar year, however others feels it runs from birthday to birthday. Neither is right or wrong, it’s just a matter of personal preference.

Does a 3' × 3' grid have to be used to calculate a numerology chart?

The square grid is called the Pythagorean Birth Chart Grid or the Lo Shu Square, and even though it’s incredibly insightful, it isn’t necessary that you use one in order to give a thorough and accurate reading. Whether you choose to use the grid or not comes down to personal preference.

Which numerology system is best—Western or Chaldean?

I adore both, but one is not better or more accurate than the other—they’re just two completely different systems. There are many major differences between the two; however, the main points of difference are that Chaldean is an older system based on a different letters-and-numbers chart where the numbers range from 1 to 8. Because the Chaldeans considered 9 a holy number, it isn’t included in their letters-and-numbers chart. In Chaldean numerology, the numerical value of each letter is based upon its sound frequency and vibrational pattern whereas the value of each letter in the Western letters-and-numbers chart is based upon its position in the alphabet. As you can see below, in Western numerology the numbers in the letters-and-numbers chart range from 1 to 9.

Another point of difference is that the letter Y is always considered a vowel in Chaldean numerology, but it can either be a consonant or a vowel in Western. Chaldean also places a greater significance on the name currently used today if it differs from the original birth-certificate name due to marriage, adoption, or other means, whereas Western often focuses predominantly on the original birth-certificate name.

Even though the definitions of the numbers themselves are the same for both systems, the chart positions in a numerology profile have different titles and meanings. For example, the total of the birth date is called the Life Path Number in Western but is called the Destiny Number in Chaldean, and each has a different meaning. I suggest you explore both systems (along with the many variations therein) to determine which is the most suitable for you.

Numbers, astrology signs, and archetypes are complementary

Certain astrology signs and archetypes have personality traits that are similar to the numbers. If you have the personality traits of a number, but that number doesn’t appear in your chart, you may have its astrological or archetypal equivalent. For example, The Monk archetype has similar personality traits to number 7, and the astrology sign Gemini has similar traits to number 5. (For further information about archetypes, I strongly recommend Caroline Myss’s book Archetypes: Who Are You? For more information about astrology, check out Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs.)

Along with all forms of divination, numerology is only a guide

It cannot predict everything, and it cannot be 100 percent correct. So use your common sense, and take it all with a grain of salt.

Conflicting theories among numerologists can be confusing for numerology students

When one numerologist says one thing and another says the opposite, it’s hard to know which theory is “right.” However, neither is right or wrong, just different. Each numerologist is simply teaching his or her own interpretation and preferred method of calculation. For example, some people prefer to make a chocolate cake with butter, and others prefer oil. In my book, I cover the various interpretations, systems, and calculation methods available so you can decide for yourself which ones work best for you—because at the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference.